Overseas websites offering fake NZ varsity degrees

University leaders here are looking at legal action against several overseas websites which appear to be offering fake degree certificates from New Zealand varsities.

One United States-hosted website offers certificates for about $180, and it's understood a second based in Britain is also offering fake New Zealand certificates.

The chair of the Vice Chancellors Committee, James McWha of Massey, said the websites were of deep concern, but there were a number of actions New Zealand universities can take.

He said one option was to take legal action over the use of the university names, which breached intellectual property rights.

James McWha said given the software that's available almost anyone could put together a fake degree certificate.

He said employers should check with the universities if they had any suspicions.